U.S. Warns Turkey Over Tensions in Cyprus

The United States discourages any actions or rhetoric that increase tensions in the region, a State Department official said, replying to a question regarding the Turkish provocations in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“The U.S. policy on Cyprus’s EEZ is longstanding and has not changed: the United States recognizes the right of the Republic of Cyprus to develop its resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone. We continue to believe the island’s oil and gas resources, like all of its resources, should be equitably shared between both communities in the context of an overall settlement. We discourage any actions or rhetoric that increase tensions in the region,” the official added.